The Difference Between ADHD and Autism

A range of neurodevelopmental conditions that causes challenges with social skills, communication and thinking. Repetitive behaviors are also part of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

• Avoids eye contact and/or physical contact
• Has delayed speech (or no speech) or repeats phrases over and over
• Is prone to meltdowns due to sensory processing issues, anxiety, frustration or communication difficulties
• Gets upset by changes in routine
• Struggles with social skills
• Uses excessive body movements to self-soothe (e.g., rocking, flapping hands)
• Has obsessive interests and experiences perseveration
• Is constantly “on the go” or moving; fidgets and needs to pick up and fiddle with everything
• Is very advanced verbally, but struggles with nonverbal cues
• Has trouble showing understanding of other people’s feelings and his own
• Reacts strongly to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel (sensory processing issues)
• Has trouble with safety and danger awareness

The main struggles of ASD involve social understanding, communication and repetitive routines or behaviors. Many kids with ASD—even those without significant cognitive challenges—have trouble making friends, understanding how to relate to other people and making sense of social cues.

• Pediatricians, neurologists, developmental-behavior pediatricians, child psychiatrists and psychologists: Identify possible signs of autism and may diagnose. May also refer for early intervention services.
• Clinical child psychologists, social workers:Provide therapy or social skills training to help kids improve social interactions. Provide cognitive behavioral therapy to help with emotional issues related to autism. Diagnose other issues that may co-occur with autism, including ADHD. May also evaluate for learning issues.
• Pediatric neuropsychologists: Diagnose autism and common issues that may co-occur, such as anxiety and ADHD. May also prescribe medication as needed.
• Occupational therapists: Help kids learn coping skills for challenging situations. Provide sensory integration therapy or a sensory diet to help kids respond to sensory input in more appropriate ways.
• Speech therapists: Work on speech-language and pragmatic language skills to help kids communicate and understand others more easily.

A child might be eligible for an IEP under the category of “autism.” Special education may be provided along with accommodations. They are very specific to each child, but examples can include:

• A seat closer to the teacher and to classroom materials
• A work space with limited auditory and visual distractions
• Visual prompts and color coding to highlight and teach new information
• A sensory diet and activities throughout the day
• Social stories to present new ideas and situations
• Being provided with choices to ease anxiety
• Being provided with “wait time”

• Set clear expectations and create daily routines.
• Break directions into smaller chunks and use picture prompts.
• Have a plan to manage meltdowns.
• Use a visual timer or signal to make it easier to transition from one thing to the next.
• Role-play and teach scripts for social situations.

These are some common examples. But because ASD looks so different in each child, the support provided at home varies a lot from child to child. Parents will often work with a psychologist or other clinicians to create a support plan.